Formed in 1955, the Authority long used the prefix 'TWY' to designate license plates that belonged to official vehicles.

But Schaller has acquired two plates with a '90' prefix. He bought one of them recently at an auction in Utica.

He and his fellow collectors have examined state Department of Motor Vehicles records of plates it has issued, and they have reached out to the Thruway Authority to see if there is any record of what these plates were used for.

"They don't have any records going back that far," he said.

We asked Daniel Weiller, spokesman for the Thruway Authority, if he could find out.

"We consulted with several longtime Thruway employees who believe that the '90' refers to I-90 and that the '2704' may refer to a particular piece of equipment that was used in the Mohawk Valley area," Weiller said. "However, because the plate dates from 48 years ago and records from that time are not available, we are not able to confirm this information."

Schaller said one collector had suggested the "90" might refer to Interstate 90, he said, but the Thruway also is labeled Interstate-87 elsewhere and there has never been sign of an "87" plate.

He is hoping a reader might remember the plates and be able to fill in the story behind what they were used for and what the "90" means.

"We are in the midst of completing a traffic study about this location," she said. "The study will include review of the speed limit, traffic volume, accident statistics and existing safety features, such as pavement striping, signage and traffic signals, as well as many other factors. Engineers also visit the location to see how traffic is operating."

The review is expected to be completed in the next few months, Breen said.

"Getting There" is compiled by staff writer Tim O'Brien. Do you have a question about transportation? Call 454-5020 or email gettingthere@timesunion.com. Please include your name, town and telephone number.

Hot spots

What to watch for this week:

Dunn Memorial Bridge: The bridge will have two lanes open westbound toward Albany. There will be one lane open for traffic heading toward the Empire State Plaza and one lane open for traffic heading to I-787 (northbound and southbound). The middle lane will be closed.

Delaware Avenue (Route 443) between Fisher Boulevard and Meadow Lane/Orchard Street, Bethlehem: A portion of the road will be reduced to one-way alternating traffic controlled by a temporary traffic signal.

Western Gateway Bridge, Scotia to Schenectady: One lane will be closed in each direction on the Western Gateway Bridge carrying Route 5 over the Mohawk River between Scotia and Schenectady. One lane in each direction will remain open. The lane closures will accommodate bridge repairs and will remain in place through next year.

Congress Street Bridge, Troy to Watervliet: One lane is open in each direction, and the ramp from the bridge to River Street in Troy is closed. The sidewalk is open.